“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold”(Psalm 18:2). Over and over the Scriptures refer to God as our rock. What does this mean? The context of Psalm 18:2 implies that God offers the protection of a fortress or stronghold. Consider the Rocky Mountains or cliffs on the edge of an ocean or lake. Snow, rains, even winds don’t move them. Across the planet, property owners plant trees and bushes and flowers for beauty’s sake; but when their yards slope, their landscaping often includes strategically placed rocks or brick walls, as well. The rocks are aesthetically pleasing, but they’re primarily used because they hold the yard in place. Hurricanes, tornadoes, even beavers can down a tree in no time; but the rocks remain.
You probably don’t consider yourself a rock. Sometimes you change your mind; sometimes you make mistakes; sometimes you’re not the strength you should be for those around you. Even those rare people to whom you look for strength and dependability in your life will sometimes disappoint, and right now those people may be several hundred miles away or may seem far away because of social distancing. But you don’t need to depend on your own stability or the stability of a friend or parent; you can find stability in your unchanging God. He will never be weak, never fail, never fade to insignificance, never be far away. You need him. Life changes around you, and sometimes insecurity creeps its way into your heart. Next time that happens, remember the rocks and mountains and know that if Christ is your personal Savior, you have a rock and a fortress to hold you securely. King David wrote the words above in Psalm 18 following deliverance from enemies who tried to kill him. If you’re saved, King David’s God is your God, too. Trust Him as David did. If you don’t know what it means to be saved or don’t know whether you are, read “The First Step” page on this blog so that you can claim this refuge and shield as your own.
“For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge”(Psalm 31:3-4). “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust’”(Psalm 91:2). “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me”(Psalm 144:1-2). “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer”(Psalm 19:14). “The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation”(2 Samuel 22:47). “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy”(Psalm 61:2b-3).